The heat is starting to make itself felt and like every year it is becoming more and more unbearable. Did you know that dogs also suffer from the heat ? In fact, even though our puppies are able to regulate their temperature independently and are able to protect themselves from the sun thanks to their fur, temperatures with a red dot are extremely risky for them .
Some dog breeds are better able to withstand high temperatures, but there are many others that, for the same reasons, are predisposed to particularly suffer the torrid and muggy climate that characterizes our summers.
In this article we will delve into all those dog breeds that particularly suffer from the heat due to particular physiological conditions and we will understand what are the signs of heat intolerance that our four-legged friends show and how to help them.
Which dogs suffer the most from the heat?
The dogs most at risk are certainly those with heart and respiratory problems, especially if elderly or hospitalized. But not only that, there are some specimens that require more care and attention during the summer months due to their morphological conformation and their attitudes. Here are some examples:
Bulldogs and Pugs
Bulldogs and Pugs, like all brachycephalic dogs , that is, all those dogs that have a flat muzzle and other anatomical anomalies that can cause various respiratory problems , are sensitive to heat stroke .
Their nasal mucosa is smaller than other breeds and for this reason they lose body heat more slowly and with difficulty. This aspect is to be taken into consideration if you intend to take your puppy on vacation during the summer.
Chow Chow
Those that suffer most from the heat are all breeds with a thick coat and undercoat , such as the Bernese Mountain Dog , Siberian Husky , Malamute , Newfoundland , St. Bernard and Collie .
We recommend paying special attention to the Chow Chow . In fact, this breed, in addition to having thick fur and undercoat, has a double layer of fat that acts as thermal insulation and this makes it ideal for resisting cold temperatures.
On the other hand, for the same reasons, it is one of the breeds that suffers the most from the summer heat, even if washed and brushed frequently. The fundamental thing, for all breeds with undercoat, is not to clip the dog's hair , because in this way it will no longer be able to thermoregulate and will risk serious burns to the skin.
Pekingese
What makes the Pekingese particularly suffer during hot periods is that it is a brachycephalic dog with long, thick fur .
To prevent this dog from getting serious heat stroke, it is advisable to avoid taking him for a walk during the hottest and most sultry hours, not even for short walks because this could cause serious heart problems.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is originally from Poland, and despite its small size, the considerable amount of fur it has makes it particularly sensitive to the heat.
Furthermore, its sensitive skin is particularly prone to dermatitis or eczema if exposed to the sun and/or frequent bathing. Even in this case, it is absolutely not necessary to shave the fur, rather it is advisable to brush it frequently and at most shorten it slightly with the help of a professional.
Italian Greyhound
Although it may not seem so, the Italian Greyhound is one of the breeds that suffers a lot from high temperatures. It is precisely its small build and fine fur that expose it to the risk of illness.
Despite his desire to run, it is not recommended to let him do intense physical activity during the hottest hours or under the blazing sun because this could cause heat stroke and sunburn.
Recognize the signs of intolerance: what to do when the dog is hot?
To recognize heat stroke it is necessary to know how to interpret the symptoms :
- Rapid breathing
- High body temperature
- Vomit
- Red mucous membranes
- Difficulty walking and disorientation
- Weakness
- Hypersalivation
Heat stroke is not something to be taken lightly, because in severe cases it can lead to collapse or seizures. If you detect one or more of these signs, it is advisable to try to lower the dog's body temperature. How do dogs cool down? You can place him in the shade and wet him abundantly on the head, belly and paws with cold water . Once he has cooled down, it is advisable to take him immediately to the vet for a medical consultation .
